ASF outbreaks logged in 5 more Cebu areas

MANILA, Philippines — Five more areas in Cebu have confirmed outbreaks of African swine fever (ASF), weeks after the first case was detected in Carcar, the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) reported yesterday.

The new outbreaks were recorded in the cities of Cebu and Bogo as well as in the municipalities of Liloan, Sibonga and Tuburan.

“Sample collections were conducted in backyard farms by concerned local government units as part of the disease investigation and surveillance. The samples were submitted to the Regional Animal Disease Diagnostic and Reference Laboratory in Central Visayas and tested using RT-PCR or real time-polymerase chain reaction, the gold standard in testing and confirming the presence of ASF virus,” the BAI said.

The outbreak in Carcar was confirmed after 58 of 149 blood samples taken from hogs in affected farms tested positive for the virus.

“All protocols being implemented are evidence-based actions and proven to be the best option while there is still no approved vaccine. We continue to work closely with other government agencies including the local and provincial units down to the grassroot level to instill the responsibility of preventing ASF from spreading further,” the BAI said.

It said the responsibility lies not only among the implementers, but also among hog farmers, consumers, travelers, traders and the public, who are the most affected by the disease.

BAI director Paul Imson warned of further spread of ASF after Cebu Gov. Gwen Garcia stopped the culling operation in Carcar.

Imson said the virus could spread to other areas if the culling is delayed.

He said hog farms within the 500-meter radius of the affected areas should be depopulated.

“We understand that the farmers are sacrificing their livelihood. This sacrifice will not be in vain as we work together to protect the hog industry, ” Imson said.